< PreviousBest Restaurants 2025 40 SUMMER 2025 TIMEOUTABUDHABICOM (think crispy courgette fritters, their epic Greek salad, and a perfectly grilled seabass fillet just to name a few) while a DJ brings the Greek island party vibes, and surfers do their thing in the world’s biggest wave pool. O Licensed. Surf Abu Dhabi, Hudayriyat Island, surfabudhabi.com/ilios (02 419 8508). Best Buffet Brunches WINNER Zuma As we very well know, brunch in Abu Dhabi most often doesn’t relate to a lovely plate of avo and toast washed down with endless cups of coffee. In fact, it can be anything from bao to barbeque, Jamaican to Japanese – the latter you’ll find at fine dining restaurant Zuma. One to impress, it makes for the perfect excuse to don your glad rags and indulge in a smashing range of Asian dishes designed to be eaten izakaya style – think starters including the renowned shrimp tempura with yuzu chili mayo, crispy fried squid and plenty of sashimi, nigiri and maki. O Licensed. The Galleria Al Maryah Island, zumarestaurant.com (02 401 5900). HIGHLY COMMENDED Garage Abu Dhabi’s premier party brunch, put on your swishiest dress and head over to the Best Restaurants 2025 TIMEOUTABUDHABI.COM SUMMER 2025 41 W Abu Dhabi for its award-winning B.I.G Brunch at Garage, which is all about stylish patrons, free-flowing drinks and some incredible tunes as your soundtrack. Oh and of course there’s some food thrown in for good measure, with five culinary hubs serving food from around the world. This is a brunch that’s more about the vibes though, so expect DJs pumping out all your favourite songs, roller-skaters zooming past and a saxophonist to keep you dancing all day long. O Licensed. W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island, marriott.com (02 656 0000). Nahaam One of the most popular spots in town for a buffet brunch, an afternoon at Nahaam’s Saturday Brunch Club gets off to a great start with a welcome drink in the lounge. This is, of course, followed by many more drinks, as well as a diverse and delicious food selection of traditional roasts, grills, curries, sushi and an entire room dedicated to cheese, all rounded off with some live music performances. Are you in? We thought so. O Licensed. Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, West Corniche Road, hilton.com (02 811 5666). Best Bar Food WINNER Dragon’s Tooth Blink and you’ll miss it. Tucked beside Dai Pai Dong at the Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Dragon’s Tooth is one of the capital’s most elusive speakeasies – and we’re still obsessed. Small but packed with personality, this Shanghai-inspired hideaway is the perfect moody little corner for a cosy nightcap or an off-the-radar hangout with your pals. Inside, it’s all dark wood, low lighting and vintage glamour, with a handful of seats and the best spot being up at the bar. That’s where the magic happens – think flaming drinks, expert mixology and fried dim sum wrappers served in empty grape bottles (we love the spicy siu mai and shrimp har gow). Yep, it’s that kind of place. O Licensed. Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island (02 813 5588). HIGHLY COMMENDED Art Lounge This rooftop terrace is one of Abu Dhabi’s best-kept secrets – and it’s hiding in plain sight atop the Louvre Abu Dhabi. With panoramic skyline views, chilled beats and seriously good drinks, Art Lounge is a sundowner spot with style. The curated list of light bites and drinks match the elegance of the setting. Don’t expect sliders and fries here – instead, it’s an elevated pan-Asian menu that includes cold starters like Wagyu beef tataki, gyozas, salmon teriyaki and plenty of sushi. Whether you’re fresh from a gallery stroll or just chasing the golden hour, this is certainly the place to be. O Licensed. Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island (050 699 6375). Zuma Dragon’s ToothBest Restaurants 2025 42 SUMMER 2025 TIMEOUTABUDHABICOM Siddharta Lounge by Buddha-Bar Overlooking the twinkling waters of Yas Bay, this swanky rooftop bar is one of the best places to head for drinks and bar bites with a cool crowd and fantastic views. Part of the Trilogy by Buddha-Bar, bar snacks here err on the fancy side, with sushi, ceviche and maki taking pride of place on the Mediterranean-Asian fusion menu and taste even better against unobstructed views of Abu Dhabi’s sunsets. Arrive early and stay late for when the party really kicks in. O Licensed. Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, thetrilogybybuddhabar.com (050 601 1194). Best Breakfast WINNER Art Market We all know breakfast is the most important meal of the day and there’s no better place to enjoy it than the Art Market. Using a small but mighty selection of fresh, local and ethically sourced ingredients to create some of our favourite early morning dishes, start your day with your choice of French toast with orange zest and cinnamon, organic porridge with coconut, almond butter and berries or lots of different things on toast, to name a few, enjoyed with coffee specials that will blow your socks off. O Licensed. Yas Bay, Yas Island, artmarketco.ae (052 917 1523). HIGHLY COMMENDED Raclette Served between Monday and Friday from 10am until noon and starting an hour earlier on weekends, breakfast at this charming French brasserie comes as à la carte or a set menu affair, with three courses of deliciousness, including chia seeds and banana split for starters, omelette for main and delicious French toast for dessert. Yes, really, dessert at breakfast. Looking to add a little sparkle to your weekend? Upgrading to an hour of free-flowing bubbly should do the trick. O Licensed. Mamsha Al Saadiyat, @racletteuae (02 546 2277). Turf Turf is where chill vibes, killer coffee and community spirit collide. Founded by Emirati powerhouse Mariam Saeed, it’s the go-to breakfast hangout at Hidd Al Saadiyat Island, where friendships brew over fair trade beans and all-day breakfasts. The iconic oval bagel? A must-try. Sourced from roasters like Dubai’s Nightjar, every cup supports ethical, sustainable practices. But Turf isn’t just about great food – it’s a creative hub championing local talent, eco-friendly values and inclusive good times. Whether you’re deep in conversation with your pals or just vibing solo, Turf welcomes you with open arms, good tunes and even better lattes. O Unlicensed. Hidd Al Saadiyat, @turfcafe.ae (02 626 0812). Best Budget WINNER Al Sultan Restaurant & Grill Looking for a no-frills, all-flavour legend in Abu Dhabi? Then make your way down to Al Sultan Restaurant & Grill, serving up smoky Middle Eastern goodness since 1975 (yes, it’s almost as old as the UAE). Tucked in the Al Danah neighbourhood, this old-school gem dishes out arayes, kabab keshkash and fatteh that’ll have you dreaming in grilled meat. Prices? Ridiculously good. Vibes? Casual and charming. Think wooden tables, zero fuss and flavour-packed plates flying out of the kitchen faster than you can say ‘mixed grill’. It’s beloved, busy and budget-friendly – and if you haven’t been yet, consider this your official invite. O Unlicensed. Al Danah (02 641 2511). HIGHLY COMMENDED Dampa Seafood Grill This Filipino seafood restaurant, famed for its “boodle fight”-style dining, has been legendary in Dubai for as long as we can remember, so it’s no surprise that Dampa Seafood Grill is cleaning up in the capital as well. Defined by tongue-in-cheek décor and insanely cheery staff – who wrap tables in protective paper cloth and dishes out gloves and bibs – a meal here is a messy affair, which only serves to make it all the more delicious. Freshly grilled shrimp, crab, Art MarketBest Restaurants 2025 TIMEOUTABUDHABI.COM SUMMER 2025 43 Al Sultan Restaurant & GrillBest Restaurants 2025 mussels, clams and sweetcorn cobs all come served in giant buckets, so prepare to dig in. O Unlicensed. Fatma Bint Mubarak Street, Al Danah, @dampaseafoodgrill (02 622 0096). Kopitiam by Chandy’s Swerving all-out opulence for nondescript interiors that lets the food do all the talking, Malaysian hotspot Kopitiam by Chandy’s is all about inexpensive, fresh and flavoursome dishes on the short menu that’s supplemented with a blackboard full of tasty specials. While the roti jala is always well worth ordering, the two most popular dishes are the curry laksa, a coconut noodle soup, as well as the penang char kway teow, a flat noodle, which can be customised with your choice of meat, seafood or veg. Just be sure to thank Chef Chandy on your way out. O Unlicensed. Al Falah Street, Madinat Zayed, @kopitiambychandys (050 234 7278). Pickl Kopitiam by Chandy’sBest Restaurants 2025 TIMEOUTABUDHABI.COM SUMMER 2025 45 Best Burgers WINNER 3B, Burger Brisket & Beyond If you’re craving a burger that hits all the right notes, 3B is the place to be. Known for its juicy, flame-grilled burgers, this spot in the Corniche area is all about big flavours. Founded by a former real estate professional who swapped sales for supper, 3B has been stealing hearts (and stomachs) since it opened back in 2023. You’ve got the crispy blooming onion, honey-glazed smoked short ribs and, of course, burgers that everyone raves about. Whether you’re into smoky, sweet, or savoury, the menu’s packed with all the must-try comfort food vibes. And once you’ve had a bite, you’ll understand exactly why people keep coming back. O Unlicensed. Corniche, @meat3b (02 235 8744). HIGHLY COMMENDED Maxzi The Good Food Shop If you only order one thing at Maxzi The Good Food Shop, make sure it’s the bona fide, utterly brilliant Maxzimum Meat Lover Burger with a Wagyu patty, slow-cooked brisket and crispy beef bacon. While it might not be solely a burger joint, this place does some of the best in the business, with an assortment of starchy sides. O Unlicensed. Yas Mall, maxzi.ae (056 996 6540). Pickl Consistently flocked with regulars and first- timers destined to become regulars once they’ve realised how good the burgers are, Pickl is famous in the city for its tasty, juicy beef and incredible fried chicken. What started as a small concept in Dubai has expanded to the capital and beyond, meaning we can all enjoy its patties that come slathered in cheese, the secret Comeback Sauce, and, of course, pickles. Once you try it, you’ll understand exactly why we’re forever grateful. O Unlicensed. Mamsha Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island, eatpickl.com (02 886 7844). Best Cafés WINNER MYSK Coffee lovers may be spoilt for choice in the capital, but believe us when we say that MYSK serves up the best flat white in Saadiyat. Plus, merging flowers, food and community into one multipurpose space, MYSK is also up there with the prettiest cafés in Abu Dhabi. An ode to the diverse nature of the capital, menu highlights are inspired by all corners of the globe, including Asia, Europe and the Middle East, with favourites like French toast, crispy corn fritters, Vietnamese chicken bao and pulled beef shawarma tacos. And if you’re in a rush and can’t stay? A stainless-steel counter features grab-and- go bites to go with your morning coffee, such as raspberry cruffins, Boston cream doughnuts and Mysk’s signature cardamom Swedish buns. O Unlicensed. New York University, Saadiyat Island, @mysk.ae (02 626 9343). MYSKBest Restaurants 2025 46 SUMMER 2025 TIMEOUTABUDHABICOM HIGHLY COMMENDED James Cafe Mixing chic décor and fancy ingredients with a serious attitude to coffee, James Cafe is far from your standard café. You can forgo your usual croissant for the likes of oysters, truffle and caviar that wouldn’t feel out of place in one of the city’s fine dining stalwarts, with the upmarket menu changing with the season. As for the space, its neutral tones are highly Instagrammable, with a mix of coffee bar seating, regular tables and a small outdoor terrace that’s a dreamy place to watch the world go by. O Unlicensed. Shams Boutik, Reem Island, @jamescafe.ae (02 886 9949). The Turtle Cove Quirky, colourful and downright delightful, The Turtle Cove is the only café in Abu Dhabi that offers ube and blue spirulina matcha alongside an amazing menu of all-day dining dishes that are as delicious as they are pretty. Hidden in the serene Hidd Al Saadiyat community, here you’ll get fantastic coffee, pastries, sandwiches and healthy bowls. Plus, each drink creation is crowned with an adorable chocolate turtle – cue the Instagram-worthy snaps. Be sure to call ahead for the gate code because nothing should stand between you and this super tasty experience. O Unlicensed. Hidd Al Saadiyat, @theturtlecove (02 886 4899). Best Dessert WINNER Break by Mara When it comes to sweet treats, Break by Mara knows what it’s doing. From viral- worthy desserts to well-made classic pastries, it’s hit after hit at the Al Qana waterfront venue. This isn’t just a café – it’s a sugar-coated playground for anyone with a sweet tooth. This Emirati-owned cafe serves up all sorts of sweet creations that are as Instagram-worthy as they are delicious. From the crunchy vanilla chocolate choux to the warm date pudding topped with crispy kunafa, there’s something for every sweet tooth. Try the Oreo lava cake with vanilla ice cream, or dive into the lotus drama, a dessert that’s all about lotus in every bite. Whether you’re into gooey chocolate or fruity acai bowls, Break by Mara’s menu is a treat you won’t forget. O Unlicensed. Al Qana, @breakbymara (054 324 2429). Break by Mara MarmellataBest Restaurants 2025 TIMEOUTABUDHABI.COM SUMMER 2025 47 HIGHLY COMMENDED Praisethree Praisethree is a Filipino-owned bakery in Abu Dhabi and the original creators of the legendary Dreamcake. If you’re a chocoholic, this dessert is a literal dream come true. The five-layer chocolate cake is pure indulgence, made out of moist chocolate cake, creamy milk chocolate pudding, rich dark chocolate ganache, crunchy dark chocolate shards and a dusting of cacao for that perfect finish. It’s a dessert that’s been making waves since it was first created in the Philippines and continues to steal hearts in Abu Dhabi. O Unlicensed. Qasr Al Hosn, @praisethree (050 389 3963). The Jazz Club by QC Nestled in Al Raha Beach, The Jazz Club by QC offers a very unique experience from the usual Abu Dhabi nightlife. This Emirati-owned venue brings the soul of a classic jazz club to the city, where you can step inside a different era – the 70s, to be exact. With its cosy seating, soft lighting and vinyl records decorating the bar, the atmosphere invites you to relax and enjoy. Sip on innovative coffee-based mocktails, dive into mouthwatering desserts and let the smooth jazz set the mood. Whether you’re unwinding after dinner or looking for something unique, The Jazz Club by QC is the place to be. O Unlicensed. Al Raha, @jazzbyqc (050 986 8039). Best Pizzeria WINNER Marmellata It’s safe to say that father-and-son duo Raj and Sebastian Dagstani know a thing or two about pizza. The brains behind this hole- in-the-wall pizzeria down at Mina Zayed, drop in for a rotating menu of pizzas that range from the traditional to more regionally inspired, with local ingredients like mushrooms grown in the local desert and figs from Liwa. They don’t take reservations, so be sure to arrive early to bag a seat. O Unlicensed. Mina Zayed, @marmellatalove (055 802 9355).Best Restaurants 2025 48 SUMMER 2025 TIMEOUTABUDHABICOM HIGHLY COMMENDED Antonia Trattoria Pizza is one of the world’s most popular foods and rightly so. If you prefer enjoying yours in a casual setting, Antonia Trattoria’s Al Zeina location is where it’s at. Known for its tasty plates with an Italian nonna’s touch, chef Simone Federici puts his magic touch on traditional Amalfi- inspired dishes, with some of our top orders including the 50-year-old sourdough starter and crowd-favourite meatballs. The sourdough pizzas, however, are particularly moreish and where you should focus the majority of your attention. The cute chevron-patterned space features bright red chairs, vintage posters and hand-painted-in-the-Amalfi-Coast plates, giving it a very fun, very Italian touch. O Licensed. Block C, Al Zeina, antoniarestaurant.com (02 622 0480). NAPO Pizzeria If you’re always on the hunt for an insider spot, Napo Ristorante is the spot you’ve been looking for. Tucked away in a quiet corner of Al Bateen, this charming restaurant is easy to miss – unless you spot the lively crowd on the plant-filled patio. Inside, the upbeat atmosphere is complemented by lively Italian tunes and trust us, even if you don’t speak Italian, you’ll find yourself happily singing along. With an open kitchen, fresh pasta hanging to dry and a pizza oven at the heart of it all, Napo serves a broad menu from Naples to Rome, including a standout pecorino romano wheel for your pasta. The venue offers refreshing mocktails and speedy service, perfect for a relaxed evening or a quick bite. O Licensed. Al Bateen, @napo.ristorante (02 554 4614). Best Pub Food WINNER CRAFT by Side Hustle The first brewery in UAE history, CRAFT by Side Hustle isn’t only a place to head when you fancy a bit of variety in your hops. It has also honed a fantastic Louisiana-style smokehouse menu that gives New Orleans’ best eateries a run for their money. Priding itself on ageing and crafting the meats in-house, its menu spans, salads, smokehouse platter and sourdough pizzas, with plenty of dishes that wouldn’t look out of place in a high-end restaurant. Case in point? The burrata is to die for. O Licensed. The Galleria Al Maryah Island, sidehustlecraft.com (02 631 9855). NapoBest Restaurants 2025 TIMEOUTABUDHABI.COM SUMMER 2025 49 Hamilton’s Gastropub Trendy nightlife spots in Abu Dhabi come and go, but some old favourites are here to stay. Hamilton’s Gastropub is one such place – where the food, drinks and vibes are always immaculate. Striking the optimal balance between classy and casual, this place is truly versatile. Whether you’re here for a date or to hang out with mates, the comfy booths, elevated stools and outdoor terrace will accommodate whatever you’re after. The menu is massive, with sharing options, burgers, smoked meats and vegan dishes, too. Go for the proper truffle fries, loaded with Parmesan, or dive into the gooey mac ‘n’ cheese. The classic fish and chips come with crispy hops-battered cod, thick-cut chips and mushy peas. O Licensed. Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas, Saadiyat Island, @hamiltons_gatropub (02 697 0125). HIGHLY COMMENDED Crafty Fox There are many reasons to raise a glass to Crafty Fox. Not only does this Dubai-import boast a bespoke beverage menu with plenty of new and old-world grape labels, draft hops and signature mixed drinks, but you can also tuck into Irish comfort food at its finest, with classics like the cottage pie, fish and chips and loaded flatbreads all gracing the menu. And did we mention those amazing 360-degree views of the putting green? With plenty of big screens, it’s also a great place to watch the football or any other sport you’re into, which begs the question: is there anything this place can’t do? O Licensed. Yas Links Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, @craftyfox.yaslinks (02 404 3081). Best Seafood WINNER Ryba Ryba is the brainchild of Faisal Mohamed Alharmoodi, the Emirati chef behind the Time Out Abu Dhabi award-winning Let’s café in Khalifa City. Interiors offer a refreshing nod to modernity intertwined with natural elements, while the outdoor patio boasts breathtaking vistas of the Arabian Sea. This no-frills eatery at Souq al Mina is an oceanic extravaganza of the freshest catch, from succulent shrimp and crab to flaky fish and lobster cooked to your liking. Its location means you’re right in the middle of the action, too, making for a cultural day out at the same time. O Unlicensed. Mina Zayed, @ryba.ae (02 584 5645). Crafty Fox RybaNext >